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Coast Guard rescues fishermen stuck on sinking vessel

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The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two fishermen who were on a sinking boat off the coast of Alaska.

The 40-foot vessel was taking on water Monday night near Sitka.

A rescue swimmer was lowered to assess the boat. It was determined that the fishermen should abandon the ship after they were unable to locate the source of the flooding.

A helicopter then hoisted the fishermen to safety.

“This successful case highlighted the importance of mariner preparedness,” said Lt. Cmdr. Scott Woodcock, the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter pilot.

Woodcock praised the fishermen for being prepared with good communication equipment and survival gear.

He said the biggest challenge during the rescue was the severe winds.